Expired Business License Ontario: How to Renew, Reactivate, or Fix It Fast
- Lisa Shaw
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
If your expired business license in Ontario has you worried, you’re not alone. Thousands of Ontario business owners miss renewal deadlines every year—and the good news is, in most cases, it’s fixable.
Whether you’re running a sole proprietorship, partnership, or you have a tradename under your corporation, this guide walks you through exactly how to renew, reinstate, or re-register your business in Ontario—quickly and correctly.
What Is an Expired Business License in Ontario?
In Ontario, most “business licenses” refer to your Business Name Registration (BNR) or Master Business Licence (MBL) for:
These registrations are valid for 5 years. If you don’t renew before the expiry date, your registration becomes inactive.
Can you renew an expired business license in Ontario?
Yes - but only for a short time! If your business registration has expired, you can only renew it within 60 days of the expiry date. If too much time has passed, your window to renew closes, and you need to register the business again.
Remember: Your 60-day grace period is not business days, it’s 60 actual days.
What Happens If Your Business License Expires?
When your Ontario business license expires:
Immediate impacts:
Your business name can no longer be used to operate
Banks or vendors may flag your business as inactive
After a longer period:
You may need to fully re-register your business (it will have a new ‘start date’)
Contracts signed under the expired name may be questioned
How to Renew an Expired Business License in Ontario Online: Step-by-Step Guide to DIY
1. Gather Your Information
You’ll need:
Business name
Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN)
Owner details
Ontario company key
2. Go to the Ontario Business Registry
Use the official Ontario Business Registry portal and log into your account.
3. Select “Renew Registration”
Choose your business type and enter your details.
4. Pay the Renewal Fee
Renewals have a $60 government fee.
5. Receive Updated Business Name Registration (BNR)
Your new registration is valid for another 5 years.
How can I renew an expired business license in Ontario online?
The process to renew an expired business licence is the same as the steps above, as long as you’re still within the 60-day grace period.
How to Renew Ontario Business License (Different Scenarios)
Scenario 1: Not Yet Expired (Best Case)
You can renew immediately
No interruption to operations
Scenario 2: Recently Expired
Renewal may still be possible
File a renewal asap
Scenario 3: Expired More than 60 Days
You need to register again
Your new registration will have a new start date
CRA & Tax Implications (Very Important)
Your business registration and CRA accounts are separate.
Even if your license expires:
Your HST account remains active
Your business number (BN) still exists
However:
You should ensure your business registration matches your CRA records
Inconsistencies can cause issues with:
Banking
Tax filings
Audits
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting too long after expiry
Assuming your business is “automatically renewed”
Forgetting to update banks or CRA
Expert Tips
Set a calendar reminder 4–6 months before expiry
Renew early—you don’t have to wait until the last day
Keep digital copies of your BNR (MBL)
Use a service provider if you’re unsure (saves time and errors)
Final Thoughts
An expired business license in Ontario isn’t the end of your business—but it does need quick action.
The sooner you renew or re-register, the better your chances of:
Keeping your original business start date
Avoiding disruptions
Staying compliant
If you're unsure where to start, getting help can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.
